Yeast Free Hot Cross Buns

I am not quite sure if I should call it Hot Cross Buns or Scones! As it does not have any yeast in it, it has a heavier consistency. Nevertheless, they are delicious!
I chose to use Spelt flour and oats as they are lower in the gluten content. These are so called your grains from the past.* 

I did this in a great hurry (sorry of my life!), so I really hope that everything I wrote here make sense!

Ingredients: (makes 20)

1 to 1 1/2 cup of almond milk
3 cups organic unbleached spelt flour 

1/2 cup organic rolled oats
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tbsp raw honey
1 tsp Himalyan salt
3 tsp baking powder
1 cup organic dried sultanas

1 egg

1 tsp organic vanilla essence

1/4 organic butter

1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate 

Zest of an orange

Glaze

Egg

Flour paste
Spelt flour
Filtered water

Method:

Preheat oven to 190°C or 170˚C fan-force.

Combine flour, oats, spices, salt, chocolate and sultanas in a large bowl. Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted remove from stove and add honey, orange zest and vanilla essence to the butter. Stir to mix them. Add to the dry mixture. 

Add the egg to the combined mixture. 

You may need to add a small amount of almond milk if your mixture is too dry, but do this slowly. Add 10-20mL at a time. The mixture should be sticky, but not running. (See picture)

Mix with spatula until everything is evenly distributed. 

Line a large baking tray with non-stick baking paper. Divide into 20 even portions. Shape each portion into a ball. Place balls onto lined tray, about 1cm apart. 

Make flour paste: Mix flour and water together in a small bowl until smooth, adding a little more water if paste is too thick. Spoon into a small snap-lock bag. Snip off 1 corner of bag. Pipe flour paste over tops of buns to form crosses. Glaze with egg

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until buns are cooked through.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

We do not consume a great deal of gluten at home, but when we do, I tend to try to choose the more ancient grains. 
*Gregor Mendel was an Austrian monk and was best known for his experiments with pea plants Pisum sativum. Mendel noticed plants in his own garden that were not a blend of the parents. For instance, a tall plant and a short plant had offspring that were either tall or short but not medium in height. Observations such as these led Mendel to question the blending theory. The experiments conducted by Mendel were "re-discovered" in 1900, this started the field of genetics that led to the "genetic improvements" of plants and animals of nutritional interest. 
This is the time when the Italian agronomer Nazareno Strampelli, "the magician of grains" provides dozens of new grain varieties to farmers worldwide. This is the first "Green Revolution".

Healthy Treat - Immunity Booster Herbal Jelly

Diary Free Chocolate Milk alternative

All ingredients apart from the Almond milk are available from Nowra Mall store

Surviving Christmas

5 Tips to stay healthy over the holiday season

Come January, everyone will be lamenting all the chocolate, , mince pies and fruitcakes they ate over Christmas. So here is your survival plan.

1. Start your day with a healthy breakfast. Some breakfast   suggestions: Poached or boiled eggs with chopped up tomatoes and avocado, a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice. A smoothie made from plain yoghurt with frozen berries and a tablespoon of linseed or flaxseed oil. Plain greek yoghurt with mixed nuts.

2.    Half an hour before you have your morning or afternoon teas or meals, make sure you have a glass of water. Not into water? Why not consider using chilled herbal tea with a couple of thinly sliced orange to “dress it up” a bit; adding 3 tablespoonful of natural fruit juice into soda water or simply squeezing some lemon or lime into it. Water is a solvent needed by your body to get rid of toxins, so it helps you detoxify. Studies have also suggested that by drinking half an hour to an hour before food, you tend to eat less.

3.    Stay active and keep moving. Suggestions: take evening strolls; if you are going to the shops, park the car a bit further than you usually would; use a shopping basket rather than a trolley if you are only buying a few items; instead of using your remote; walk to the TV to change channels; get a couple of light dumbbells (or books) and start doing arm raises if you are not mobile.

4.    If appropriate, take some Chromium. Chromium is a powerful trace mineral that helps increase insulin sensitivity, allowing for better transport of blood glucose into cells.

5.    To help boost your energy and cope with stress, consider the following: Vitamin B, C, Magnesium and Zinc. If you don’t have high blood pressure, try some liquorice tea. 

What is Irlen Syndrome?

Irlen Syndrome is a visual processing disorder that affects 15% of the general population, 50% of individuals with reading and learning difficulties, and 30% of people with ADHD and autism. Irlen Syndrome has also been linked to traumatic brain injury in athletes and others.

Irlen Syndrome symptoms may include light sensitivity, particularly bright or fluorescent lighting, headaches or migraines, eye strain, distorted text or environment, and difficulty or discomfort reading. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed as ADHD and other afflictions, some involving medication. However, early and prompt identification can prevent a lifetime of academic struggles that can lead to school failure, damage to self-esteem, and unrealized potential. Although it is hereditary, it may be acquired, and many football players and professional athletes have found Irlen’s non-invasive solutions relieve their symptoms.

Some nutritional supplementation may help some of these symptoms. Alvina, our pharmacist is available for consultation to assist you. Please contact Blooms the Chemist Nowra Mall for more information 02-4421-3946

Omega 3 vs Omega 6

Omega 3 and Omega 6 are called "Essential Fatty Acids" for a reason…it is essential for our well being. An imbalance can result in inflammatory diseases, and inflammation is the beginning of chronic conditions. 

Speak to our staff or pharmacists to see how we can best help you correct any Omega 3 and 6 imbalances.

Is Acne an Essential Fatty Acid deficiency?

When we look at the physiology of the skin, you will find the tiny glands of the hair follicles producing a mixture of wax and oil to protect our skin. One of the many roles of omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid (EFA) is to prevent this mixture from "caking up". 

By now, you may have heard one or two things about omega-3 EFA having an anti-inflammatory effect. In fact, there are hundreds of studies looking at omega-3 EFA in inflammatory diseases, like arthritis. Acne too, is an inflammatory condition. When the glands at the base of the hair follicle get blocked, bacteria can start to thrive, causing inflammation. 

There is recently a study showing positive result in the use of omega-3 EFA in the treatment of moderate to severe acne. The dose used was relatively high, about 3-4 caspules of the concentrated omega-3 EFA. 

Burns-Whitmore, Bonny and Khayef, Golandam, et al. Effects of fish oil supplementation on inflammatory acne. Lipids in Health and Disease 2012,11:165